JP6615257B2 - Method of operating an additional manufacturing apparatus for a three-dimensional object - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method of operating at least one apparatus for additionally manufacturing a three-dimensional object by selectively irradiating and curing a layer of a modeling material that can be cured using an energy beam, layer by layer. About.

  In the prior art, additional manufacturing equipment and methods of operating the equipment are well known. These additional manufacturing processes are particularly advantageous for producing prototypes, in which case the production of individual objects or small quantities of three-dimensional objects can be expensive. When the device is used to produce individual objects or only small quantities of objects, the entire building surface configured to irradiate the building material directly with the energy beam, i.e. the surface of the building material in the process chamber is minimized. There is a possibility of being occupied only to the limit.

  Therefore, especially for users who only want to manufacture individual objects, for example prototypes (or small prototypes), for example consumers, additional manufacturing processes require that individual users bear the entire cost. This can lead to a loss of affordability, which can waste a lot of modeling material, as it may not effectively use the modeling surface available for modeling individual objects or small quantities of objects. Or have to be reused.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an operation method of at least one apparatus for additionally manufacturing a three-dimensional object, which reduces the cost of the user.

  This object is achieved by the method according to claim 1 of the present invention. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are based on the dependent claims.

  In the method described here, a three-dimensional object is obtained by selectively irradiating and curing a layer of a powdered modeling material (referred to as “modeling material”) that can be cured using an energy beam. For example, a method of operating an apparatus for additionally manufacturing technical parts. Each modeling material can be a metal powder, a ceramic powder, or a polymer powder. Each energy beam can be a laser beam or an electron beam. Each device can be, for example, a selective laser sintering device, a selective laser melting device or a selective electron beam melting device.

  Each device may comprise a certain number of functional units that are used during its operation. Examples of functional units include an irradiation device configured to selectively irradiate a process chamber and a shaped layer disposed in the process chamber with at least one energy beam, as well as a given stream characteristic, e.g., a given A stream generating device configured to generate a gaseous fluid stream flowing through at least a portion of the process chamber with a stream profile, a stream speed, and the like. This gaseous fluid stream can be filled with uncured particulate build material, in particular smoke or smoke residue, generated during operation of the apparatus as it flows through the process chamber. This gaseous fluid stream is typically inert, i.e. typically a stream of an inert gas such as argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and the like.

  In the present invention, the communication interface connected to or connectable to the at least one device receives object data relating to at least one object to be modeled from at least one first user of the first user group. Receiving at least one first data set and having at least one second data set from a second user of a second user group, the at least one first data set having Store the data set and / or the at least one second data set, generate and / or store modeling data relating to the at least one object to be modeled, depending on the received data set, or Based on the idea that both.

  Thus, at least one first user of the first user group can access the communication interface and transmit at least one first data set to the additional modeling device of the three-dimensional object. Each data set contains object data associated with this at least one object that is intended to be produced by the first user of the first user group using this additional production equipment or one additional production equipment. Have. A second user in the second user group can also access the communication interface and transmit at least one second data set to the additional modeling device for the three-dimensional object. Unlike the first data set, the second data set is not information related to the object that the second user intends to model, but information related to the manufacturing process, in particular the second user It has information relating to the equipment used to perform the manufacturing process to operate.

  The first user group can be defined as a “consumer” group or a “customer” group, and the first user assigned to this first user group additionally produces, for example, a three-dimensional object. A consumer or customer of a factory operator or provider operating at least one device. Correspondingly, the second user group can be defined as a “provider” group or a “factory operator” group, and these second users are at least one who additionally manufactures three-dimensional objects. A provider or factory operator that owns or operates one device. For simplicity, the terms “customer” and “provider” are used throughout this application.

  In other words, this communication interface functions as a platform where customers and providers can collaborate by transmitting the first and second data sets to the communication interface. The communication interface is configured to receive the data sets and transmit these data sets to at least one device that additionally produces a three-dimensional object. Alternatively, the second user can transmit corresponding data to the device.

  For example, at least one first user of a first user group can issue a first data set, which is related to objects that the first user wishes to additionally manufacture. To do. Similarly, at least one second user of the second user group can issue a second data set, which has at least one device operated by the second user. It relates to a manufacturing process that can be used. Accordingly, the second user can issue conditions such as price information that allow the object to be manufactured by each device. Depending on the first data set and the second data set issued to the communication interface, the first user and the second user can collaborate, the first user and / or the second user. Can be selected from the first data set and the second data set, respectively.

  Thus, it is possible for the first user to select from among the issued second data set, or the second user selects from among the first data set issued to the communication interface. It is possible or both. Therefore, at least one first user “adds” at least one object that the first user intends to model to the manufacturing process presented by at least one second user. Can do. Correspondingly, at least one second user "adds at least one object of at least one first user to the planned manufacturing process performed on at least one device of that second user. "can do.

In a first embodiment of the method, this at least one first data set, in particular the object data, has the following parameters:
Three-dimensional data of at least one object to be shaped;
At least one chemical parameter of the object to be shaped, in particular a material parameter;
At least one physical parameter of the object to be shaped, in particular density and / or mechanical properties;
Time information related to the delivery deadline,
Start information and
Information related to at least one post-processing step; and
Having at least one of

  Thus, typically, the first data set has information and / or parameters associated with the object that each first user would like to additionally model. Each first data set can have three-dimensional data of at least one object to be shaped. This three-dimensional data defines the shape and / or at least the outer contour of the object, and thus defines the size and dimensions of the object. This three-dimensional data can further define the internal structure of the object.

  In each first data set, at least one first user can define at least one chemical parameter of the object to be shaped, in particular a (building) material parameter. Thus, it is possible for at least one first user to define what modeling material the object should be modeled from, or what chemical properties the modeling material must have. Correspondingly, at least one first user can define physical parameters such as the density and / or mechanical properties of the build material and / or the build object, respectively.

  Further, at least one first user can define parameters related to the start of the manufacturing process and can add start information and / or time information related to delivery deadlines to the first data set. . This time information indicates a delivery deadline when a three-dimensional object must be formed by that date. Correspondingly, the start information indicates at least one parameter that must be present to allow the start of the manufacturing process. For example, the start information may include a threshold value associated with at least one shaping surface occupancy and / or at least one price information. In other words, at least one primary user must define price information that defines the conditions necessary for the manufacturing process to be initiated, for example, the costs that the primary user must bear to produce the object. Can do.

  Furthermore, it is possible to add information relating to at least one post-processing step, for example cleaning of the shaped object or surface finishing of the shaped object, in particular the corresponding post-processing step that can be requested by the user. It is possible to add information related to the shipment of the shaped object, and in particular, verify that each object can be shipped to the corresponding user or that the shipping method required by the corresponding user can be specified.

This at least one second data set has the following parameters:
At least one chemical parameter of a build material used on at least one build surface;
At least one physical parameter of a build material used on at least one build surface;
At least one parameter associated with at least one energy beam;
At least one parameter associated with the process chamber, in particular an inactivation parameter;
At least one piece of information related to at least one available post-processing step; and
At least one time information,
At least one piece of information related to the occupancy of the at least one shaped surface;
At least one piece of information relating to the availability of process monitoring and / or process documentation;
Can have at least one of the following:

  Thus, at least one second user can define at least one chemical parameter of a build material used on at least one build surface of at least one device that the second user operates. This makes it possible to select a promising modeling job issued by at least one first user, for example by selecting a corresponding modeling job for the modeling material to be used. Similarly, the second user can define at least one physical parameter of a build material used on at least one build surface of at least one device operated by the second user.

  Correspondingly, at least one second user can define at least one parameter associated with at least one energy beam. Of course, it is possible for at least one device operated by each second user to generate a plurality of energy beams. Define each energy beam in terms of various parameters such as beam power, wavelength, spot size, available scanning speed and source type (laser beam, especially laser diode, electron beam). Can do. Therefore, at least one first user can select or verify whether the device provided by the second user is suitable for the manufacture of the user's intended three-dimensional object. One second user can provide data related to the available energy beam.

  In addition, at least one second user can add at least one piece of information related to the process chamber, in particular start parameters, to the at least one second data set. Therefore, it is possible to add information about the size of the process chamber, i.e. the availability of space (volume) in the process chamber, in particular on the shaping surface. In addition, the process chamber is deactivated, for example, what process gas (eg, argon) is used, to what extent the process chamber can be deactivated or can be deactivated (deactivation level), and It is possible to give information on one of how to perform the deactivation (which deactivation device is used).

  Another information that at least one second user can add to the at least one second data set can be related to the occupancy of at least one shaped surface. This occupancy of the modeling surface, for example, leads to costs that must be borne by the individual first user and prevents discarded modeling material (uncured modeling material) or modeling material that must be reused. Or, in order to reduce, it is basically advantageous to use an available shaping surface for the capacity. This occupancy rate further determines whether at least one first user can manufacture the at least one object on each modeling surface of the apparatus by determining the remaining available area of the modeling surface. Allows you to decide. Conversely, at least one second user can clearly select the first data set associated with the two objects that fit the remaining area of the shaped surface.

  The at least one second user may further add at least one piece of information related to process monitoring and / or process documentation availability. Thus, at least one second user can use means or equipment for process monitoring and / or process documentation available on at least one device operated by the second user, or any means or It can be defined whether the device is available. Of course, additional information such as conditions for using each device throughout the manufacturing process can also be defined.

  Providing these first and / or second data sets further allows grouping of the first user and / or the second user, for example by the presented or requested build material. Individual first and / or second users can be assigned to a group specific to one information and / or one parameter, eg individual first and / or second users specific to a building material Can be assigned to a group, for example, an aluminum group, in which the first data set associated with the object to be modeled from the selected modeling material and / or a device configured to process each modeling material Only the relevant second data set is issued (enumerated).

  Furthermore, it is possible to add information relating to at least one post-processing step, for example cleaning of the shaped object or surface finishing of the shaped object, in particular the post-processing steps that each factory operator can provide. It is also possible to add information relating to the shipment of the shaped object, in particular to verify that each object can be shipped to the corresponding user or that at least one available shipping method can be defined. With regard to the overall price information, this (these) shipping methods can be taken into account. Furthermore, an overall production time can be defined, including the time required for additional shaping of the three-dimensional object and the time to ship the object.

  In another embodiment of the method, the at least one data set comprises modeling data associated with at least one object to be modeled. In the scope of the present application, modeling data is data relating to the manufacturing process of individual objects corresponding to the modeling data. For example, the modeling data influences the irradiation policy and / or modeling material consumption used to manufacture the object, or various other parameters of the controllable 3D object manufacturing device, in particular the manufacturing process It can be associated with various other parameters. Thus, at least one first user can define the modeling data, so that, for example, what irradiation policy is used in the manufacturing process can be selected.

  In addition, it is also possible for at least one second user, for example, a factory operator operating a device for modeling a three-dimensional object, to generate modeling data. At least one second user can account for some processing characteristics of at least one device that the at least one second user operates. Furthermore, at least one second user can generate modeling data based on at least one data set issued by at least one first user. Thus, at least one second user can select each parameter, eg, irradiation strategy, based on a first data set of at least one object to be shaped, eg, three-dimensional data. For example, it is possible to automatically generate modeling data based on an object to be modeled by the control unit of the present apparatus.

Each modeling data includes the following parameters,
At least one chemical parameter of the object to be shaped, in particular a material parameter;
At least one physical parameter of the object to be shaped, in particular density and / or mechanical properties;
Time information related to the length of the manufacturing process of the object to be shaped;
Material consumption,
Information on irradiation policy,
Can have at least one of the following:

  The modeling data is data based on the first data set transmitted by the first user (of the first user group) to the apparatus, and is therefore data based on the object to be modeled. This modeling data defines specific parameters of the manufacturing process of individual three-dimensional objects. In addition, this modeling data can contribute to the generation of price (cost) information related to the price (cost) of individual objects to be manufactured.

  The method may be further improved by at least one set of job data generated based on at least two first data sets issued by at least two first users, the at least one set of job data. Based on the job data, at least two objects are assigned to the same modeling surface. In the scope of this application, job data is data relating to the entire manufacturing process, for example information relating to the entire available modeling surface. Accordingly, the job data relates to manufacturing at least two objects on the same modeling surface or in the same manufacturing process.

This job data has the following parameters:
The number of objects assigned to at least one shaping surface;
Time information related to the time length of the manufacturing process of all objects assigned to the same shaping surface;
Pricing information,
Start information and
Occupancy of the molding surface of this at least one device,
The number of modeling jobs,
The number of users and
Can have at least one of the following:

  Thus, job data can be associated with the number of objects assigned to at least one shaping surface, for example, an apparatus that has transmitted object data of at least two first users via a communication interface, At least one shaped surface on which at least two objects of the at least two users are to be produced can be provided. This job data can also be related to the area of the building surface required to produce the individual objects, and the individual cross-sectional shapes and / or diameters of the individual layers of the various objects in the build direction can vary. Therefore, the required area of the modeling surface (in the modeling direction) is particularly different for each manufacturing process. In the scope of the present application, the modeling direction indicates a direction in which an object is sequentially modeled for each layer. The modeling direction is typically positioned substantially perpendicular to the modeling surface or the modeling material that conveys the modeling material and the object.

  In addition or alternatively, the job data can include the occupancy of at least one device's shaping surface, and the area of the shaping surface required to produce at least two objects is the required shaping surface. And the occupancy can be defined as the ratio of the required area to the available area of the shaped surface.

  The job data may further include time information related to the time length of the manufacturing process for all objects assigned to the same shaping surface. This job data can also include information relating to the contribution of individual objects to the overall production time. Therefore, the ratio of individual objects to be manufactured in the same manufacturing process with respect to the total process time can also be taken into account.

  For example, based on one or more of these time information, number of objects and occupancy, price information corresponding to individual objects to be manufactured in the manufacturing process can be generated, for example, material consumption and / or Or various additional parameters such as irradiation strategy can be taken into account.

  The job data may further include the number of modeling jobs to be performed using the apparatus (number of individual objects to be modeled in the same process) and / or the number of users who have transmitted the data set to the apparatus. . In addition, for example, if multiple devices are available, or if at least one device has multiple modeling surfaces, it is also possible to assign at least one object to one of the multiple modeling surfaces. Yes, this assignment depends on one or more of job data, modeling data, at least one first user first data set and at least one second user at least one second data set can do. For example, this assignment can be performed according to one or more of the modeling material, price information, and time information for modeling the object.

  Furthermore, the method can be improved to start the manufacturing process in response to job data, in particular in response to at least one start information. This start information thus defines when to start the manufacturing process of at least one object. This start information itself is the delivery deadline included in at least one first data set of at least one first user and / or at least one second data set of at least one second user, as described above. It can depend on various parameters such as time information related to.

  In another embodiment of the method, a data storage device can be deployed, including job data, modeling data, and at least one first and / or second user and / or second user. One or more of the second data set is stored. Data stored in this data storage device can be used later for manufacturing processes, for documentation and / or quality control purposes, or both. . For example, the stored data can be transferred to another apparatus according to the availability or occupation rate of the modeling surface.

  Preferably, these first and / or second data sets and modeling data and / or job data are transmitted and / or stored in encrypted form. Thus, this embodiment is such that sensitive information such as individual objects of an individual user, for example a specific geometry of a prototype or various construction parameters, is encrypted to another user, for example these information. Guarantees that unauthorized persons cannot access. This communication interface can be designed as a platform for transmitting (uploading and storing) at least one data set relating to an object to be shaped by at least one user (of the first user group). The communication interface can be connected to a plurality of devices, and the assignment of an object manufacturing process to one of the available devices is automatically and / or at least one first and / or second. It can be executed according to the preference of the second user. Thus, at least one first user can select from a plurality of second data sets of the second user, for example, at least one first user is available via the communication interface One device can be selected from a plurality of devices. Conversely, at least one second user can select a shaping job in response to at least one first data set available via the communication interface. Thus, at least one second user can, for example, determine whether the object to be shaped fits best in the remaining area on the shaping surface of the planned manufacturing process. One can be selected. In particular, the communication interface can be designed as an Internet platform, which is accessed by a plurality of first users of a first user group to upload a first data set and a second user Multiple second users of the group have access to upload the second data set.

  Advantageously, at least a part of the data storage device is accessible to at least one second user of the second user group, in particular the outer dimensions of at least one object to be shaped include a second Is accessible to at least one user in the user group. Accordingly, at least one second user can access at least a portion of at least one first data set issued by at least one first user. In particular, at least one second user can access three-dimensional data of at least one object that the at least one first user intends to model. Based on this acquired information, at least one second user can determine whether at least one object is compatible with the planned manufacturing process, i.e. the remaining area of the shaping surface is at least one object of the first user. It can be determined whether it is suitable for modeling. Thus, at least one first data set can only allow, for example, a central axis, or just present the outer dimensions of a three-dimensional object, and at least one second user can make an object, for example, a prototype. It is possible to abstract to a certain degree that the details of the information cannot be accessed.

  To ensure that at least one second user cannot access the details of the three-dimensional object and to determine whether the object to be manufactured can be added to the planned manufacturing process, at least one second user It is also possible to receive at least one first data set only in a customized manner. Furthermore, at least one verification information can ensure that only qualified or authorized persons or users can access the data, in which case the user, in particular the second user group, Only two users use the corresponding validation information to access at least one first data set, in particular a limited first data set that is not publicly available.

  In addition, at least one first user, in particular almost all first users, can access at least one second data set. Again, at least one verification information can be defined, in which case only the first user is not publicly available to the at least one second data set, using the corresponding verification information. Access a limited second data set.

  In addition, the topology of the object to be shaped can be optimized so as to reduce one or more of material consumption, modeling time and occupancy of the modeling surface of the apparatus. Thus, the first data set having object data transmitted to the communication interface by at least one first user can be adjusted, in particular optimized, to make the manufacturing process more efficient. For example, the orientation of the object to be manufactured with respect to the shaped surface can be changed to one or more of facilitating the manufacturing process, reducing material consumption, and improving object quality. Furthermore, modeling data can be adjusted especially with respect to the irradiation policy.

  In another embodiment of the method, the communication interface can be configured to receive at least one price (cost) information of at least one second user of the second user group, the price information In response, at least one modeling job of the first user of the first user group is assigned to the manufacturing process of at least one second user of the second user group. Thus, at least one second user must bear the first user of the first user group if at least one object is manufactured on a device operated by at least one second user Price information related to costs can be provided. In particular, a plurality of second users can provide individual price information, and each first user can select from different promotions depending on the price information. It is also possible to automatically assign a modeling job to the second user who has issued the corresponding price information. This pricing information can be based on at least one first data set of at least one first user.

  Alternatively or additionally, the communication interface can be configured to receive and receive at least one price (cost) information of at least two second users of the second user group. In response to the price information, at least one shaping job of at least one first user of the first user group is assigned to a manufacturing process of one of the second users of the second user group. Therefore, at least two second users can issue price information to the communication interface, and the price information is accessible to at least one first user. Then, the at least one first user can select one of the second users in the second user group to which each modeling job is assigned. Of course, at least a portion of this shaping job assignment can also be automatically performed, and this shaping job is assigned to the second user who issued the corresponding price information, eg, a lower price.

  For example, at least one first user's modeling job can be auctioned so that each modeling job is assigned to the corresponding price information, eg, the second user who issued the lowest price.

  Furthermore, the method can be improved so that the communication interface provides the measuring device information, which is accessible to at least one first user of the first user group, The measuring device information includes at least one location of the measuring unit, in particular at least one location of the 3D scanner near the location of at least one first user of the first user group. Thus, the measuring device information can be captured from the communication interface, and the first user can particularly find the location of the closest measuring device suitable for measuring an object, for example, using a 3D scanner. In other words, the first user can access the measuring device information and thus be informed of the measuring device near the location where the first user is interested. This measuring device is preferably a measuring device that is open to the public use, where the first user measures an object, for example using a 3D scanner, and then shapes the object in an additional manufacturing process. can do.

  The invention further relates to an apparatus for additionally producing a three-dimensional object by selectively irradiating and curing layers of a modeling material that can be cured using an energy beam, layer by layer. A communication interface connected to or connectable to one device has at least one first data having object data relating to at least one object to be shaped from at least one first user of the first user group. At least one second data set corresponding to the received data set and configured to receive at least one second data set from one user of the second user group. Modeling data associated with one object is generated and / or stored. In addition, the invention relates to a communication interface for the device according to the invention.

  Obviously, all the features, details and advantages mentioned for the method according to the invention can be completely transferred to the device according to the invention and the communication interface according to the invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Schematic diagram of the device according to the invention

  FIG. 1 illustrates, for example, two first users 1 and 2 classified into a first user group 3. These first users 1 and 2 can be, for example, consumers or customers, and the first user group 3 can be regarded as a “consumer” group or a “customer” group, respectively.

  Further, FIG. 1 additionally produces three-dimensional objects 7 to 9 by selectively irradiating and curing layers of the modeling material 10 that can be cured using the energy beam 11 for each layer. 2 shows a communication interface 4 connected (directly or indirectly) with two additional production devices 5, 6 configured in this way. In order to generate and guide this energy beam 11 (or a plurality of energy beams 11), these devices 5, 6 generate an energy beam (or a plurality of energy beams) 11 and guide it on the shaping surface 13. The irradiation apparatus 12 comprised so that it may be provided. The modeling surface 13 is a surface of the modeling material 10 that can directly irradiate the modeling material 10 using the energy beam 11.

  The objects 7-9 are labeled with the same reference, but of course, these devices 5, 6 can produce different objects 7-9, and these devices 5, 6 Can be used. Further, the connection between the devices 5 and 6 and the communication interface 4 is not necessarily a direct connection, but for example, via a plurality of interfaces managed by each factory operator operating these devices 5 and 6. These devices 5 and 6 and the communication interface 4 can be indirectly connected. In particular, it is possible to transfer data received from the communication interface 4 to these devices separately (for example, via a data storage device such as a USB stick) or automatically. These devices 5 and 6 are automatically assigned and transferred.

  The communication interface 4 receives first data sets 14, 15 having object data relating to at least one object 7-9 to be shaped from two first users 1, 2 of the first user group 3. It is configured as follows. The first data sets 14, 15 transmitted by the first users 1, 2 to the communication interface 4 additionally contain information relating to the objects 7-9 to be manufactured, in particular object data. Each of the first data sets 14, 15 is associated with at least one object 7-9, for example, the first data set 14 is associated with the object 7 and the first data set 15 is associated with the objects 8, 9. Related. The three-dimensional data defines the shape of the objects 7-9 and / or at least one outer contour, and thus defines the size and dimensions of the objects 7-9.

  The first users 1 and 2 define modeling material parameters in each of the first data sets 14 and 15, and define what modeling material 10 is used to model the objects 7 to 9. Correspondingly, the first user 1, 2 can define each physical parameter such as the density and / or mechanical properties of the modeling material 10 and / or the modeling objects 7-9.

  The communication interface 4 is further configured to receive the second data sets 16, 17 from the two second users 18, 19. These two second users 18, 19 can be assigned to a second user group 20, which can be considered as a “provider” group or a “factory operator” group. Can be regarded as a provider or a factory operator, respectively. In this embodiment, a second user 18 operates this device 5 and another second user 19 operates this device 6. Accordingly, the second user 18, 19 provides these devices 5, 6 for the first user 1, 2, and the objects 7-9 of the first user 1, 2 are assigned to these devices 5, 6. 6 can be used for modeling.

  The second users 18 and 19 also define the modeling material 10 to be used on the modeling surface 13 of the devices 5 and 6 that the second users 18 and 19 operate in the second data sets 16 and 17. This enables the selection of possible modeling jobs issued by the first users 1 and 2 so that the corresponding modeling job can be selected for the modeling material 10 to be used. Similarly, the second users 18 and 19 define at least one physical parameter of the modeling material 10 to be used.

  In addition, the second user 18, 19 defines parameters related to the energy beam 11 generated by these devices 5, 6. Each energy beam 11 is defined in terms of various parameters such as beam power, wavelength, spot size, available scanning speed and source type (laser beam, in particular laser diode, electron beam). be able to. Thus, the first user 1, 2 selects whether the device 5, 6 provided by the second user 18, 19 is suitable for the production of the intended three-dimensional object 7-9. Or, as can be verified, the second user 18, 19 can provide data related to the available energy beam 11. For example, modeling speed or surface quality, in particular surface roughness, is defined by the second user 18, 19 (or defined by these devices 5, 6) and provided by the first user 1, 2 It is possible to verify whether the modeling speed or surface quality to be applied is suitable. Conversely, the first user 1, 2 can define each parameter to be achieved and whether the second user 18, 19 (or these devices 5, 6) can adapt to each parameter. Can be verified.

  The other information included in the second data sets 16 and 17 relates to the occupation ratio of one (or a plurality of) modeling surfaces 13. The occupation ratio of the modeling surface 13 leads to, for example, the cost that must be borne by the individual first users 1 and 2, and the modeling material to be discarded (the modeling material that has not been cured) or the modeling that must be reused. In order to prevent or reduce material, it is advantageous to use the ratio of the shaped surface 13 that is basically available to the capacity. This occupancy rate further determines whether the objects 7 to 9 can be produced on each modeling surface 13 of these devices 5, 6 by determining the remaining available area of the modeling surface 13. , 2 allow to determine. Conversely, the second user 18, 19 can clearly select the first data set 14, 15 associated with the objects 7-9 that matches the remaining available area of the shaping surface 13.

  The communication interface 4 can be configured to receive at least one price information included in the second data set 16, 17. According to this price information, one modeling job among the first users 1 and 2 is assigned to the manufacturing process executed by the devices 5 and 6 of the second users 18 and 19. Therefore, this price information relates to the cost that the first users 1 and 2 must bear when the corresponding objects 7 to 9 are manufactured by these devices 5 and 6.

  Each first user 1, 2 can select from different offers of the second users 18, 19 according to this price information. It is also possible to automatically assign a shaping job to the second users 18 and 19 who have issued the corresponding price information. For example, such assignment is automatically performed by the communication interface 4. Price information regarding the individual objects 7 to 9 may depend on each first data set 14, 15 of the first user 1, 2.

  Therefore, the second users 18 and 19 can issue price information to the communication interface 4, and the price information includes the second users 18 and 19 (or these devices 5) to which each modeling job should be assigned. The first users 1 and 2 who can respectively select one of 6) are accessible. Of course, this modeling job assignment can also be automatically executed, and the modeling job is assigned to the corresponding price information, for example, the second user 18, 19 who issued a lower price.

  As can be derived from the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, each modeling job is assigned to the corresponding price information, for example the second user 18, 19 with the lowest price, of the first user 1, 2. A modeling job can be auctioned.

  Preferably, the first and / or second data sets 14-17 and the modeling data and / or job data are transmitted in encrypted form. Therefore, sensitive information such as specific geometric shapes of individual objects 7-9 or various construction parameters is encrypted and another (first) user 1, 2, generally their This information cannot be accessed by a person who is not authorized to access the information.

  The communication interface 4 is designed, for example, as an internet platform for transmitting (uploading and storing) these first data sets 14, 15 relating to the objects 7-9 to be modeled by the first users 1, 2 Is done.

  Further, the communication interface is connected to a data storage device 21 for storing each data (first and second data sets 14 to 17, modeling data, job data). The second users 18 and 19 can access a part of the data storage device 21. The second users 18 and 19 can access a part of the first data sets 14 and 15 issued by the first users 1 and 2. Based on this access, the second user 18, 19 determines whether the individual objects 7-9 are compatible with the planned manufacturing process, i.e. the remaining area of the modeling surface 13 is suitable for modeling the objects 7-9. It can be determined whether or not. Therefore, the first data sets 14 and 15 are abstracted so that the second users 18 and 19 cannot access the details of the objects 7 to 9. Of course, another first user 1, 2 can not access the first data sets 14, 15 of the other first users 1, 2, unless otherwise indicated to be accessible to the general public.

  In addition, at least one verification information can ensure that only qualified or authorized persons or second users 18, 19 can access each data, Only the users 18 and 19 use the corresponding verification information to the first data set 14 and 15, in particular (part of) the limited first data set 14 and 15 that is not publicly available. Accessible.

  In addition, the first user 1, 2 may, for example, retrieve the second data set 16, 17 in order to retrieve information relating to these devices 5, 6 or price information regarding each shaping job of the objects 7-9. To access. It is also possible to provide at least one verification information, in which case only the first user 1, 2 can use the corresponding verification information in the second data set 16, 17, or in particular, Access to a limited second data set 16, 17 that is not publicly available.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st user 2 1st user 3 1st user group 4 Communication interface 5 Additional manufacturing apparatus 6 Additional manufacturing apparatus 7 Object 8 Object 9 Object 10 Modeling material 11 Energy beam 12 Irradiation equipment 13 Modeling surface 14 1st Data set 15 first data set 16 second data set 17 second data set 18 second user 19 second user 20 second user group 21 data storage device

Claims (14)

A three-dimensional object (7-9) is additionally manufactured by selectively irradiating and hardening the layer of the modeling material (10) which can be hardened using the energy beam (11) sequentially for each layer. a method of operating at least one device (5, 6),
The connected at least one unit (5, 6), or connectable communication interface (4) is, at least one of the first users of the first user group (3) (1, 2), shaping Receiving at least one first data set (14, 15) comprising object data relating to at least one object (7-9) to be received and at least one second of a second user group (20); Configured to receive at least one second data set (16, 17) from a plurality of users (18, 19);
And said at least one first data set (14, 15) and one or more of the at least one second data set (16, 17) is stored, the received data set (14 to 17) Corresponding one or more of generating and / or storing modeling data relating to at least one object (7-9) to be modeled ,
At least one first user (1, 2) of the first user group (3) can access the measuring device information, and the measuring device information includes at least one of the first user group (3). At least one location of at least one 3D scanner near the location of one first user (1,2) is stored;
Way . The object data has the following parameters:
Three-dimensional data of at least one object (7-9) to be shaped;
A building material parameter of an object (7-9) to be shaped,
Density and / or mechanical properties of the object (7-9) to be shaped;
Time information related to the delivery deadline,
Start information and
Information related to at least one post-processing step; and
The method of claim 1 , comprising at least one of: Before Kisukuna without even one second data set (16, 17) are the following parameters,
At least one chemical parameter of the modeling material (10) used on the at least one modeling surface (13);
At least one physical parameter of the modeling material (10) used on the at least one modeling surface (13);
At least one parameter associated with the at least one energy beam (11);
And deactivation parameters that are related to the process chamber,
At least one piece of information regarding at least one available post-processing step; and
At least one time information,
At least one information related to the occupancy of one image plane (13) even without prior Kisukuna,
At least one piece of information relating to the availability of process monitoring and / or process documentation;
The method according to claim 1 , comprising at least one of the following: Before Kizo form data, the following parameters,
And forming shaped material parameters of the object (7-9) to be shaped,
And density and / or mechanical properties of an object (7-9) to be shaped,
Time information relating to the time length of the manufacturing process of the object (7-9) to be shaped;
Material consumption,
Irradiation policy,
At least one of,
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. In accordance with at least two first data sets (14, 15), at least one set of the job data is generated, in response to said at least one set of the job data, at least two bodies (7-9) is Assigned to the same shaping surface (13) ,
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The job data has the following parameters:
The number of objects (7-9) assigned to at least one shaping surface (13);
Time information relating to the time length of the manufacturing process of all objects (7-9) assigned to the same shaping surface (13);
Pricing information,
Start information and
And occupancy of the shaped surface of one device (5, 6) (13) Even without prior Kisukuna,
The number of modeling jobs,
The number of first users (1, 2) in the first user group (3);
At least one of,
The method of claim 5 . Even without prior Kisukuna according to one of the start information, the manufacturing process is started,
The method of claim 6 . Data storage device (21) has been deployed, the data storage device, pre-Symbol first and / or second data set (14 to 17), the object data, modeling data and one or more of the job data Is saved ,
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The second at least one of the second user's user group (20) (18, 19) is accessible on the outside dimensions of the at least one object to be granulated form (7-9),
The method of claim 8 . Even without prior Kisukuna one first data set (14, 15) are transferred encrypted, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9. Before SL communications interface (4) is configured to receive at least one of price information of at least one of the second user before Symbol second user group (20) (18, 19), the price information depending on, at least one of the second user before Symbol first at least one of the shaped job before Symbol second user group of users (1, 2) of the first user group (3) (20) ( 18, 19) assigned to the manufacturing process ,
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10. Before SL communications interface (4) is configured to receive at least one of price information prior Symbol second least two of the second user's user group (20) (18, 19), the received wherein in response to the price information, before Symbol before Symbol first user group (3) at least one shaping job previous SL second user group of at least one of the first user (1, 2) (20) Assigned to the manufacturing process of one of the second users (18, 19) ,
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The topology of the object (7-9) to be modeled is optimal so that one or more of the material consumption, modeling time and occupancy of the modeling surface (13) of the device (5, 6) is reduced. ,
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12. At least one of the first user before Symbol first user group (3) (1, 2) and it is a consumer or customer, before Symbol second user group (20) of at least one person second is one or more of the possible user (18, 19) is a plant operation skill or provider a method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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